The feeling of starting your own company is similar to the drop on a roller coaster. The moment before the drop scares you because you don’t know what’s ahead. Ultimately, however, there is an undeniable excitement in the ride, especially once you’re safely over the scariest parts.
Where did I start?
The first time I worked in production, I was a backstage assistant for fashion shows. I spent time dressing models and completing any and every task. But before that I was modeling Calvin Klein for Good Morning Texas. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was a very important starting point. Working in that role and other freelance positions throughout college taught me critical skills such as time management and organization. Moreover, hustling on freelance jobs–production and otherwise–to pay for college taught me how to show up for all of my responsibilities. These experiences forged the path to my career as a producer.
During my senior year of college, I interned as an assistant buyer in luxury retail. In this role, I developed a strong forecasting ability and realized I wanted my future to be in production, not retail. All of the hard work in my internship and freelance gigs led to an opportunity to work as a producer in advertising. By that time, I knew how to build relationships, anticipate problems, and juggle many tasks on and off set. From that point forward, I climbed the ladder through corporate advertising, enhancing the skills I learned from playing “minor” roles on set.
Seeing the Bigger Picture
As I grew in my career, I traveled around the world producing. I always took on new projects, which gave me experience on so many different types of sets. Jumping at every new opportunity, I learned the best methods to create and pitch bids, pivot according to last-minute surprises, and master all the intricacies of producing.
When you put your all into production, you experience a lot of amazing things. Admittedly, though, the work can be exhausting. In 2015, I hit a wall in my career and life–that’s an entirely different blog post!–and I knew I needed to make a change. Plaid Pony Productions changed my life for the better.
What is Plaid Pony Productions?
Plaid Pony Productions was a massive turning point in my career. Truthfully, I took this risk for the sake of authenticity. I needed my work to align with my life in a new, more sustainable way. Of course, starting a company is difficult work, so I didn't have the ideal work-life balance right away. Even during the hardest points, one thing remained true. I built my company, Plaid Pony Productions, from my life and my professional experiences.
I named the company in honor of my background in the fashion industry and my childhood. Moreover, plaid is a pattern with perfect intersecting lines, which reflects how you always need to be ready for the next step as a producer. In the end, whether figuring out a quick solution on set or working on business development, production requires focus on the details and deeper meaning of the work.
Years of hard work and the drive to have a career true to who I am culminated in this company. I started my journey in production as a teenager. Even then, modeling in front of the camera, I wanted to be the boss on set, wearing the headset and calling the shots with a clipboard in hand. From a young age, I had the drive to get work done. You will find that drive with us at Plaid Pony Productions.
Whether you’re looking for your path into professional production or you need someone you can trust with your project, we at Plaid Pony Productions are eager to take the roller coaster ride with you!
